435 Hamilton Street  
Allentown, Pa. 18101  
Allentown  
Minutes - Final  
City Council  
Wednesday, November 1, 2023  
Invocation:  
6:30 PM  
Council Chambers  
Pledge to the Flag  
Roll Call  
7 -  
Present:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Courtesy of the Floor  
Courtesy and Privilege of the Floor Rules  
Ms. Sherri Brokopp Binder, 1553 W. Turner Street, started that she is here  
as the Executive Director of Ripple Community Inc. She stated that she  
wanted to thanked Council for the opportunity to share briefly last week  
about their project at 1547 Chew Street. She was able to share a little bit  
about their housing program which for five years it has been successfully  
supporting our neighbors to permanently exit the harmful cycles of  
homelessness and housing stability. She shared a few more details about  
this project. They should have received a copy of the project plan in their  
email. She thanked Mr. Hanlon for sending it out earlier this afternoon.  
She stated that as they know, this project will create 12 new homes that will  
house between 22 and 30 residents with 22 and 30 of their neighbors.  
These are families and kids whose lives will be diverted from a path that is  
defined by homelessness and hopelessness and put on a new path that is  
defined by housing in the connection of well being. She was speaking to  
one of the residents earlier who came to the program as a homeless mom  
of two kids. She had become homeless due to a domestic violence  
situation which is common. Now, she was able to find that stability in her  
housing and her life and she is pursuing a tract to purchase her first home.  
This project will address other critical needs in our community beyond  
housing. She stated that she would like to touch on those as well. The  
main floor of this property will serve as a Community Center. That is a safe  
space for members of our community and they will be welcome to come  
and gather, to build relationships, to find meaningful connections to others  
and meaningful connections to the neighborhoods where they live. They  
will also be able to access services provided to by over 10 of their  
organizational partners who provide the services in an assessable way at  
their Community Center. These community spaces really matter because  
they are the loneliness and isolation which are public health crisis. In  
addition with the partnership with Valley Health Partners Street Medicine  
Program, the Community Center space will house three permanent  
medical respite rooms. These medical respite rooms are safe, short-term  
residential care rooms that would allow homeless individuals an opportunity  
to recover from life saving medical treatments. Imagine for a moment  
being told that you could not have a surgery that you needed, you could not  
have cancer treatment that you needed, simply because you did not have a  
safe place to recover after this medical treatment. These respite rooms will  
address this need and be the first of its kind in the city and the Lehigh  
Valley. The use of this beautiful property is an investment, a meaningful  
investment in our community. At RCI, the mission is community and  
connection. They say that they are in the social fabric business. They care  
about safe housing because we know there is no better investment then the  
health of our neighborhoods and the well being of our neighbors and our  
shared quality of life. That is not to mention that the services they provide  
translate directly into cost savings for the city. There is $25,000 - $35,000  
per person per year. That is because people that are housed require fewer  
emergency medical services. They have fewer interactions with the police.  
They require less intensive psychiatric treatments, they don't need costly  
shelter services and that list goes on. She stated that she knows that she  
does not need to convince anyone here that homelessness is a growing  
concern in our community and she hopes that she gave them a full  
understanding of what they are looking to do and why they are looking to do  
it. She wants to say that they are progressing in this project. They have  
completed the design process at this point and will be ready to start  
construction in early spring provided that they have the funding in place.  
Their request for $1.5 million is not an arbitrary number. It is the number  
that allows them to fill that remaining gap in their funding so they can get  
this project moving and get these families moved into their homes. She  
thanked Council for considering this request and shared one last thing that  
is not specific to the project. As an organization they are not here to  
compete with their partners, not with the partnering nonprofits, not with the  
partnering public service agencies: The Fire Department, EMS and others  
who provide a really valuable service to our community members as well as  
the city as a whole. She stated that they all have a role to play in making  
Allentown the city that we want it to be and the city we know it could be.  
They are here to advocate for our unsheltered neighbors. For our families  
to whom the current housing market is completely untenable and who  
tonight will be sleeping in cars. We know that tonight there are families in  
our community on the first freezing night of the year who will be sleeping in  
cars. They are well aware the city is facing many interconnecting  
challenges and understand that and are asking them, the leaders of the city  
as they consider these needs and balance them and do everything in your  
power to ensure that all of our neighbors can have a safe and stable place  
to call home.  
Ms. Sherri Brokopp Binder, 1553 W. Turner Street,  
15-6409  
Courtesy of the Floor and Privilege of the Floor - November 1, 2023  
Attachments: Courtesy of the Floor and Privilege of the Floor - November 1, 2023  
Contract Approvals  
15-6387  
R183  
Authorization for Contract with Alloy5, LLC, a small business, in the amount  
of $50,000.00 to provide professional services to facilitate the relocation of  
the City’s Fire Department and EMS from Central Fire Station to a  
centralized location. Services are expected to aid the City in determining  
the space and facility needs for the Fire Department, EMS and possibly the  
Health Department to operate efficiently out of a modern facility.  
Additionally, preliminary design services are required to aid the City’s  
decision on where said facility could be constructed and the scope of  
construction activities (renovation, new construction, a combination).  
Lastly, alternative proposal services include the conceptual design of the  
needed improvements upon authorization by the City after a decision has  
been made as a result of the initial services.  
Attachments: R183 - Alloy5 LLC  
Resolution #30730  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked Mayor Tuerk does he want to speak to that.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that actually Ms. McNeil from Purchasing is on the  
line and can go over the details.  
Ms. Sarrah McNeil stated that this was done as RFP 2023 - 33. It was  
advertised on August 2, 2023. On August 30, 2023, the public opening  
was held and the city received eight proposals. The evaluation committee  
held both technical and cost evaluations. The proposal were evaluated on  
the ability to meet the RFP requirements and after the technical and cost  
evaluations were conducted, the committee decided to hold oral interviews.  
The committee made the recommendation to award based on the firm's  
qualifications and overall score. The committee is recommending an  
award to Alloy5 LLC which is also a small business.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. McNeil and asked if there were any  
questions from his colleagues.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked if they know about or where they would be putting this  
or you don't have that answer.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that is less than a contract question and more of  
an RFP. He stated that they ask them to evaluate a multitude of sites. As  
you know, the city of Allentown is pretty much well built out. He stated that  
they just know that Fire and EMS needs a new facility. They will be  
evaluating multiple sites.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated ok. Thanks.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there was anybody else from the dais. He  
asked if there were any comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30730  
Minutes of Previous Meeting  
15-6390 October 4, 2023 Public Hearing on Bill 70 Minutes  
Attachments: October 4, 2023 Public Hearing on Bill 70 Minutes  
A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks that this Minutes be approved. The  
motion carried by the following vote:  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
15-6389  
October 4, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes  
Attachments: October 4, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Communications  
Disclosures: Councilperson Affa met with the executive Director of Ripple;  
Councilperson Mota met with the Director of Community Action Lehigh Valley; Mayor  
Tuerk, Vicky Kistler and Mark Hartney met with the Director of Community Action  
Lehigh Valley - funding was under consideration.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach added a disclosure and stated that she had emailed  
believe the Executive Director of the Alliance for Building Communities  
(ABC), Brad Fatzinger, concerning the $705,000 request for affordable  
housing using ARPA funds.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Gerlach and asked if there is anybody  
else.  
Mr. Ed Zucal gave his condolences to Chuck on the Phillies.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk made a minor Point of Order, it is no longer CACLV. It is  
Community Action Lehigh Valley.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mayor Tuerk.  
Old Business  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked is there a status update on the RFP for the  
investigation stands.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that he can answer that. Actually, he got an email from  
Ms. McNeil that it is now in legal. He asked Legal if that is the normal  
procedure. This is his first RFP and just wants to ask them. Is that the  
normal procedure that RFPs go to Legal? He knows that someone in  
Legal does the actual contract part.  
Attorney Sarah Rotz stated that she knows that the Solicitor's office was  
sent the RFP yesterday and asked to review it. As far as standard  
procedure, they review anything they are asked to review. The Solicitor's  
office will have the comments back to Purchasing by tomorrow afternoon.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked what does that review consist of.  
Attorney Sarah Rotz stated that they would look that it complies with any  
legal concerns of a standard RFP. The comments can be taken or not  
taken of the comments put forth by the Solicitor's office.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated to Attorney Sarah Rotz as she said the comments  
really have no value.  
Attorney Sarah Rotz stated that she would think they have value.  
Mr. Ed Zucal rephrased that and said they are your opinion.  
Attorney Sarah Rotz stated that they are the Solicitor's office comments  
and opinions on what they were asked to review.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that now she has more questions. She stated  
that she will withhold and communicate personally.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that was the first investigation Council ever  
passed, yet the administration was asked to do an RFP. This is a new  
thing. Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked about the committee, herself, Mr. Zucal  
and Mr. Hendricks will see those comments that the legal team is making  
on the RFP.  
Attorney Sarah Rotz stated that they will provide that to the Finance  
Department and they will pass on a version with or without the comments.  
Ms. Natalie Santos stated that since they are on the topic of RFPs, do they  
have an update on the Credible Messenger RFP.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that he asked the Purchasing Department to draft  
an initial RFP for a Feasibility Study for the Credible Messenger. The  
Purchasing Department drafted something and passed it on to Chief Roca  
whose department will oversee the execution of that work and hopes to  
update Council on something related to that.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked would Council know before Saturday. Because  
that involves ARPA money and we have to make decisions in regards to  
ARPA.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that they definitely will not have a completed study  
before Saturday, but he can ask the Police Department and Sergeant  
Leonard to provide an update on the status of the RFP at that point.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach asked if the Health Department is involved since it is a  
Public Health with gun violence is public health.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that the initial request was that the Police  
Department manages it. As it is often the case, he asked for input from  
multiple departments. Health will be involved and he asked Ms. Santos if  
she would be interested in helping with the development of that RFP.  
Credible Messenger is a wide ranging initiative. They will have a lot of  
folks weighing in.  
Ms. Natalie Santos thanked Mayor Tuerk.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that a Special Council meeting will be held on  
November 4th at 9:00 AM in Council Chambers to review and act on the  
Mayor's proposed budget.  
REPORTS  
Special Council Meeting: Council President Hendricks. A Special Council Meeting will  
be held on November 4 at 9 AM in Council Champers to review and act on the  
Mayor's proposed budget.  
Budget and Finance: Chair Napoli, Hendricks, Gerlach  
The Committee met on October 31; there are no future meetings scheduled at this  
time.  
Community and Economic Development: Chair Mota, Napoli, Affa  
The committee met on October 25 and this evening; there are no future meetings  
scheduled at this time.  
Human Resources, Administration and Appointments: Chair Santos, Zucal, Napoli  
The Committee met on October 25th; there are no future meetings scheduled at this  
time.  
Parks and Recreation: Chair Gerlach, Affa, Mota  
The Committee met on October 25th; there are no future meetings scheduled at this  
time.  
Public Safety: Chair Affa, Hendricks, Zucal  
The committee met this evening; the next meeting is scheduled for November 15 at  
6:15 PM.  
Public Works: Chair Zucal, Santos, Hendricks  
The Committee met this evening; there are no future meetings scheduled at this  
time.  
Rules, Chambers, Intergovernmental Relations, and Strategy: Chair Hendricks,  
Mota, Gerlach  
The committee has not met since the last Council meeting; there are no future  
meetings scheduled at this time.  
Controller's Report (3 minutes)  
NONE  
Mayor's Report (3 minutes)  
Mayor Matt Tuerk shared a few key developments over the past couple of weeks  
since the last Council meeting and some things to look forward to. Since he was last  
able to report to them he has been incredibly busy as has been the city of Allentown.  
He was in Washington DC the week before last and took the opportunity to meet  
with Senator Casey and with Senator Fetterman to discuss the needs of the city of  
Allentown related to funding priorities. We talked about transportation safety,  
housing, investments in the city of Allentown that would reduce barriers of our  
residents getting good jobs. Additionally, he met with the Secretary of  
Transportation Pete Buttigieg and with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce at the  
Economic Development Administration who is a key ally in our efforts to improve  
Allentown's economy. With regards to Public Works, he is happy to report that  
Public Works team continues to invest in infrastructure and make road  
improvements across the city. He was joined by Director Shahda and members of  
his team in a Mayor's Bike Ride to the Farmer's Market. The purpose was to help the  
transportation team understand what bicyclists face. They were joined by the  
Coalition for Appropriate Transportation and Community Bike Works. Finally, and  
excited for the Public Works Department is that they selected a city engineer among  
candidates. It is a candidate from Seattle who had local connections. His name is  
Greg Izzo (sp). He will be starting on November 13 and is incredibly excited to be  
able to fill that position to continue to ensure safety in the streets. As they certainly  
heard on the Public Safety side, they selected Alloy5 as the consultant for  
development of a Concept Plan for the desperately needed Central Fire and EMS  
facility. This is the same firm that they are working with for the development of a  
Concept Plan for the Allentown Police Station. They are excited about the work and  
already begun the relationship. He stated that they are looking forward to  
presenting something to them sooner rather than later in regards to a Police Station  
and releasing plans for how that move will occur. He wants to report two sad items  
with regards to public safety as he is sure they know. A woman perished in a fire on  
N. Penn Street. He wants to take an opportunity to remind all residents the  
importance of smoke alarms and not overloading electrical circuits. These types of  
deaths and this is the first death they saw in a structure fire in 2023 after a long run  
with a death. They are incredibly tragic and he hopes the residents can learn from  
those tragedies. Additionally, they saw the second pedestrian death in a traffic  
accident on Union Boulevard. He was grateful as he is sure many of them are to see  
that was not and a Dieruff student has been reported in social media. It was  
tragically a member of our eastside community. It underlines the importance of  
making investments in traffic safety and that is exactly what he reported to Secretary  
Buttigieg in Washington, DC. They were excited in Community and Economic  
Development to launch the first electronic billing for Residential Rental Licenses. He  
stated that the a number of Council are landlords and he hopes that they received  
the documents. They were excited to see that happen. He congratulated with a  
round of applause to Vicky and Mark and the team in CED with significant support of  
Gerry Anthony and IT. A minor hiccup related to that the team is sorting out now,  
but they are excited to be able to do that and it is among many firsts that they will  
see in regards to Intergov. On the Budget and Finance side, as they know,  
yesterday they presented the audited financial statements for 2022. Kudos to the  
team for excellent financial management that put our city in a better financial position  
at the end of 2022 then the beginning. The Budget and Finance team has been  
working feverishly to complete the budget and he thanked Council for their  
continued participation and collaboration on the budget. The Parks and Rec team he  
knows that some of them attended the Hallo Weekend events this past weekend.  
They welcomed thousands of kids to downtown Allentown. If you were there, you  
saw the smiles and it was an improvement over last year's event and incredibly  
exciting and they are looking for future improvements in the 2024 event. They also  
hosted Dia De Los Muertos as a separate event on Sunday. They lucked out on the  
rain stopping just before the event began and had such a magnificent time  
celebrating life with members of the Lehigh Valley Mexican and Mexican American  
Community. He is excited about partnering again with ICDI on the 2024 Dia De Los  
Muertos. He stated that he has a couple of this to put on their radar for the weeks  
ahead. Obviously, Stevie Nicks will be playing a sold out concert in the downtown,  
casting her spell on Center City. You can expect a lot of activity around Seventh and  
Hamilton over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He stated that he wants to put it on  
their radar. It is something to be aware of. Election Day is Tuesday. He stated that  
he knows they will be out voting, everyone behind him will be out voting on Election  
Day. He encouraged them to get out and encourage one of their neighbors to vote  
as well. Election participation and voting participation is a critical indicator for  
community engagement. He stated that he thinks they can always do better in the  
city of Allentown and you can help make that happen. On Monday, the 6th, there is  
another City Hall at the Table event that is 5:00 PM at Civic Theatre. Laura wanted to  
make sure they he mentioned that to Council. It is a west end City Hall at the Table.  
They come together to engage with residents and take recommendations for ways  
that we can improve the city. It is an excellent event at Civic is a great spot to do it.  
He wanted to mention that on November 12, before they next meet as a full Council,  
Allentown will be the starting line for the return of the Lehigh Valley Marathon. At  
8:00 AM on Sunday, November 12th. He hopes they join him in wishing the racers  
luck as they run 26 miles to Easton. He took at moment to wish good luck to Steph,  
one of the paramedics will be running in the New York City Marathon on Sunday.  
She is absolutely awesome and an Allentown resident and she is going to do us  
proud in New York. On a slightly solemn note, they want to recognize and take a  
moment to recognize and he hopes they did during the invocation, the passing of  
one of the icons of Allentown, Mr. Clyde Bosket. He knows several of them attended  
his funeral on Sunday. He spoke with members of the community around Union  
Baptist Church on Sunday and discussed the possibility of dedicating a street to Mr.  
Clyde Bosket. He encouraged Council to work with the administration and the  
community to identify the appropriate location and act in haste to recognize a  
critically important member of our city of Allentown community. In closing, he  
extended gratitude to each of them for the work that they do. He stated that their  
unity and dialogue are the keystones of their brighter tomorrow. Let's keep going  
together and collaborate and communicate. He asked if there were any questions.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he will also commend him for mentioning Mr. Bosket  
and it is something that he will encourage his colleagues to move forward with. They  
will come up with an idea and hopefully and an accommodation with the Mayor of a  
fitting memorial for him.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that there was a recommendation and obviously his first  
shop was on S. 5th Street and it may be appropriate to dedicate a portion of S. 5th  
Street as Clyde Bosket Way. He stated that they can consider that and work with  
his family. He knows that Dan Bosket is a regular attendee of City Council meetings  
and is one of Clyde's sons. We should certainly talk about that.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that they will definitely do that.  
15-6405  
Attachments: Bank Rec - Nov 1 Report  
Check Review - Nov 1 Report  
ORDINANCES FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
15-6354  
Bill 94  
Providing for the vacation of Skyline Drive from the East property line of  
501 Skyline Drive to its Western terminus in the Fifteenth Ward of the City  
of Allentown:  
Attachments: Bill 94 Skyline Drive Street Vacation  
Skyline Drive Staff Report  
Portion of Skyline Drive Map - Street Vacation  
Letter from Mike Hanlon regarding Portion of Skyline Drive - Street  
Vacation  
Allentown City Planning Commission Action Letter for the Vacation of  
N. Skyline Drive 09.12.23 signed  
Letter from Lehigh Valley Planning Commission regarding Skyline  
Drive Street Vacation  
Skyline Drive from the East Property line of 501 Skyline Drive Report  
Ordinance #15953  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated it was sent favorably to Council.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any questions from his colleagues  
or comments from the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 15953  
15-6271  
Bill 91  
Amending the 2023 Capital Fund Budget to provide for a Two Hundred  
Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($275,000.00) from the City’s ARPA funds  
for the repair of the Dixon St. Pedestrian Bridge. These funds will provide  
for the design and construction of the Dixon St Bridge, which will allow  
citizens to use this bridge and connect the neighborhoods from the north of  
Dixon St to South Mountain Middle School and Dodd Elementary school  
area.  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: Bill 91 - Dixon St Bridge Funds  
Ordinance #15954  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from his  
colleagues.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated as it states the $275,000 is coming from the  
ARPA budget.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it has already been allocated. It is not part  
of the budget that you are playing around with.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that it is not going to affect any potential. That  
was the concern. She stated that she is alright with that.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that she is happy that it is happening. She took  
videos of children when they came out of school, walking through the bridge  
and it is a safety concern. She is glad that this is happening. She stated  
that they have to be more proactive because this is a disaster waiting to  
happen.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there any other comments and stated that he  
too received a number of calls from different residents in that area. This is  
something that is sorely needed for our children to traverse safely between  
the schools over there and Dixon Street. He is glad that his colleagues  
have decided to put this forward for a vote for tonight. He asked if there  
were any comments from the public.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk commended Council on quick action on that. They  
already begun the work to clear the path with Street Vacations to do this  
work and the Public Works team has been preparing for this. They believe  
they can take the most expedite action to preserve public safety for our  
students particularly on the southside. He thanked Council for their quick  
action and stated that it is appreciated by parents at Dodd Elementary and  
South Mountain.  
A motion was made by Ed Zucal, seconded by Candida Affa to Suspend The  
Rules and Act On Bill 91  
7 -  
Yes:  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 15954  
7 -  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 15954  
A motion was made by Santo Napoli, seconded by Cynthia Mota, that this Bill be  
pulled from the Parks and Recreation Committee and Acted on this evening.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 15954  
CONSENT AGENDA  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that there are seven items on the Consent  
Agenda. Is there anybody that has any objections of all of them being voted  
on at once. Are there any of the Bills that you wish to discuss.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated that she does not have any objections. She did  
not get to read the email yet. She believes Council got an updated list of  
everybody that is on the Boards and Commissions. She stated that they  
got an email earlier at 3:30 PM.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated from Michaela.  
Ms. Ce Ce Gerlach stated yes.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated seeing none, are there any comments from the  
public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
15-6391  
R184  
Chloe Cole-Wilson, Commission on Homelessness, 11-1-2027  
Attachments: R184 Chloe Cole-Wilson, Commission on Homelessness, 11-1-2027  
Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Chloe Cole Wilson, Commission  
on Homelessness, 11-1-2027  
Resolution #30731  
Enactment No: 30731  
15-6392  
R185  
Crystal Perez, Board of Health, 1-8-2028  
Attachments: R185 Crystal Perez, Board of Health, 1-8-2028  
Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Crystal Perez, Board of Health,  
1-8-2028  
Resolution #30732  
Enactment No: 30732  
15-6394  
R186  
Sarah Hernandez, Board of Ethics, 11-1-2026  
Attachments: R186 Sarah Hernandez, Board of Ethics, 11-1-2026  
Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Sarah Hernandez, Board of Ethics,  
11-1-2026  
Resolution #30733  
Enactment No: 30733  
15-6396  
R188  
Ryan Jones, Electricians Examining Board, 11-1-2026  
Attachments: R188 Ryan Jones, Electricians Examining Board, 11-1-2026  
Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Ryan Jones, Electricians  
Examining Board, 11-1-2026  
Resolution #30734  
Enactment No: 30734  
15-6397  
R189  
Robert Beck, Electricians Examining Board, 11-1-2026  
Attachments: R189 Robert Beck, Electricians Examining Board, 11-1-2026  
Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Robert Beck, Electricians  
Examining Board, 11-1-2026  
Resolution #30735  
Enactment No: 30735  
15-6398  
R190  
Joseph Franzone, Historical Architectural Review Board, 11-1-2026  
Attachments:  
R190 Joseph Franzone, Historical Architectural Review Board,  
11-1-2026  
Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Joseph Franzone, Historical  
Architectural Review Board, 11-1-2026  
Resolution #30736  
Enactment No: 30736  
15-6399  
R191  
Curtis Xander, Officers' and Employees' Retirement Board, 11-1-2025  
Attachments:  
R191 Curtis Xander, Officers' and Employees' Retirement Board,  
11-1-2025  
Memo from Mayor Tuerk regarding Curtis Xander, Officers' and  
Employees' Retirement Board, 11-1-2025  
Resolution #30737  
Enactment No: 30737  
RESOLUTIONS FOR FINAL PASSAGE (To be Voted On):  
15-6337  
R179  
Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 141 N. 10th Street  
Attachments: R179 HARB Resolution to DENY - 141 N 10th St  
141 N 10th St Final Review  
Resolution #30738  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to Ms. Affa that it was in her committee.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated yes, it was.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that no, it was in my committee and voted 3 - 0.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments from his colleagues  
or the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30738  
15-6340  
R181  
Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 932 W. Gordon Street  
Administration  
Sponsors:  
Attachments: R 181 HARB Resolution to DENY - 932 W Gordon St  
932 W Gordon St Final Review  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this was also in your committee Ms. Mota.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated yes, Mr. President. It was voted 3 - 0 for the  
Denial.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Ms. Mota and asked if there were any  
comments from his colleagues or the public.  
Attorney Ron Corkery and was representing the owner of this property. He  
was out of town and tried to contact to get a continuance of the matter for  
this afternoon, but was unable to hook and could not get here on time. He  
asked Council he his client can make a short presentation and could be  
deferred to the next City Council meeting so that the owner of the property  
who spent $25,000 putting all aluminum siding on this building could at  
least make a pitch to the City Council.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he leaves it up to his colleagues if they are  
willing to do this. He suggested that Council pays attention to when his  
Petition was accepted.  
Mr. Michael Hanlon stated that it is always a caveat that after 75 days a  
denial turns into an approval.  
Attorney Charles Smith stated that they would have to waive a deemed  
approval.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that they would obviously waive. He stated  
that they will waive that obviously. If they want him to sign something  
tomorrow, he will do that.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that she would love to speak to Ms. Kistler if she  
wants to speak.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated to Ms. Kistler, if she is willing to.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that the issue comes back on what they spoke  
about in committee. That is when work is done without permits, they are  
placed in a situation where they are here. Where the work has been done,  
the work has been done without the permits and the work has not been  
done according to the HARB guidelines. At this point, she has to admit  
that this is the first for her. It was voted positively to move through in  
committee and they have the situation before them. It sets a precedent  
when you do work without permits, they find themselves in a situation.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that the only comment that he will make on that  
is that this building was extremely dilapidated, uninhabitable. The city  
inspector came and gave two pages or three on things that needed to be  
fixed. The gentleman did everything on all of them and the city inspector  
made a mistake. He admitted and said yep, you are fine to go with  
everything. The guy put it all up. The committee said that they did not  
realize that it was in the zone and needed a permit. This man went and got  
a permit for a tremendous amount of work and it was probably $50,000 of  
work inside of the house to make it so that you could at least live in this  
thing. The inspectors said, yep, he did everything he asked him to do in the  
house. He did not get a quote for the siding, but all the electrical and  
everything else was a permit. This isn't a guy that just went out and started  
throwing up aluminum siding.  
Attorney Charles Smith stated that the question before Council if whether or  
not they want to grant a continuance. He stated that he would argue that all  
of that is basically hearsay at this point. The question before you is whether  
you want to give him a continuance.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that is all he is asking.  
Attorney Charles Smith stated that it is the only question before Council  
now.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that he was just explaining why they were  
requesting a continuance.  
Attorney Charles Smith stated that Attorney Corkery was doing it in a way  
that he was drawing legal conclusions.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he has to admit that he knows Mr. Corkery.  
Will vouch for him as a man of good standing and if he is stating that his  
client will do this, he is willing to make that Motion. This is also providing  
that you are willing to waive the 75 days.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated yes.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that since this was done in her committee, she  
would like to hear also from the owner.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that is also what they would like to do. Even  
what he would like is a continuance here, but even a second part is just to  
refer the matter back to the committee so that they can appear in front of  
the committee in give them the fact that he would relate. He asked if they  
can have another Hearing in front of the committee, he would like that even  
better.  
Ms. Candida Affa asked if Attorney Corkery is going to continue this work  
or going to be working with the inspector and getting the permits that you  
need to correct this.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that they stopped work.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that they would like to make the recommendation  
that this would actually be referred back to the HARB committee for an  
agreeable solution to come before us and then referred back to the DCED  
committee. That is definitely contingent upon the waiving of the 75 days.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that when he went to the HARB Committee,  
they did go to make a presentation and they said sorry, they can't do  
anything for them. You will get the notice.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked about the deadline at that time.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that they already did appear and they said  
they can't do anything. There was no discussion about billing because they  
are saying take everything off. All the other work that has been done, the  
inspector signed off on everything.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that does not make any difference, it is what  
needs to be done now.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that he understands, unless Council overrules  
the HARB committee in which they were hoping the committee would  
recommend, if they had a chance to explain why.  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that the issue here is that not so much the timeframe  
and how much was done or what was done and that it was not done  
properly with permits.  
Attorney Ron Corkery stated that it will only be one permit, not permits. He  
did get numerous permits.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated that the only issue in question is the siding. All the  
other work and all the other permits are immaterial to the situation in front of  
them. She stated that they have siding and permits to work out. If they feel  
it is not productive to go back to HARB, then Council needs to decide  
whether it goes back to committee or whether it is a continuance with a  
presentation to Council.  
Attorney Charles Smith asked if there an objection of it going back to the  
committee, Ms. Kistler.  
Ms. Vicky Kistler stated no.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk advised Council and make this understanding well known  
to the public that this is and want people to understand that you have to go  
through the permitting process. He stated that they have heard from their  
friends at Ripple earlier on the state of the housing crisis in the city of  
Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. The more they allow chaos to reign, the  
more they allow for dangerous situations to occur. Knowing in this case  
they are talking about aluminum siding and the inappropriateness of that in  
regards to the historic district. It is incumbent upon them that they are  
invested in making sure that the people that are doing work in the city of  
Allentown are doing it to the standards that would have been established by  
City Council. He doesn't think it should be lost on the public and certainly  
not lost on Councilmembers. They have to rigidly enforce the Code in the  
city of Allentown. He stated that whatever they choose to do, he  
appreciates their understanding that Vicky's team is doing the work.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that he agrees totally with that and is sure that  
his colleagues do, likewise. This would be an exception only for that period  
of time.  
A motion was made by Daryl Hendricks, seconded by Cynthia Mota, that Council  
accept the Waiver and refer R181 back to the committee at the next earliest point  
that they convene with the Waiver in place.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
15-6341  
R182  
Denial of a Certificate of Appropriateness – 1410 W. Linden Street  
Attachments: R182 HARB Resolution to DENY - 1410 W Linden St  
1410 W Linden St Final Review  
Resolution #30739  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that this was in your committee, Ms. Mota.  
Ms. Cynthia Mota stated that it was voted 3 - 0 to deny.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were any comments or questions from  
his colleagues or the public.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30739  
15-6384  
R192  
Authorizes the City of Allentown to adopt an Official Sewage Facilities Plan  
providing for sewage facilities adequate to prevent contamination of waters  
and/or environmental health hazards with sewage wastes, and to revise  
said plan whenever it is necessary to meet the sewage disposal needs of  
the municipality.  
Attachments: R192 Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act  
Resolution #30740  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked is there anyone to speak on R192.  
Mr. David Petrik stated that this Resolution is to adopt a Sewage Facilities  
Plan. The city of Bethlehem has recently updated their Plan and stated that  
there is a small portion of the city at Midway which drains to that Waste  
Water Treatment Plant. As a part of that process all the municipalities that  
drain there also need to pass a Resolution to adopt that Plan.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Petrik and stated that it is pretty straight  
forward. He asked if there are any other questions or comments from his  
colleagues.  
Mr. Ed Zucal asked Mr. Petrik about the land where Bennett used to be,  
does that affect this at all.  
Mr. David Petrik stated no.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Mr. Zucal and asked if there were any  
comments from the public.  
Mayor Matt Tuerk stated that Council was provided that information by the  
always capable Dave Petrik who is the Deputy Director of Public Works.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated thank you for that. Council does not see him  
often in the meetings.  
7 -  
Yes:  
Candida Affa, Cynthia Mota, Daryl Hendricks, Ed Zucal, Ce-Ce Gerlach, Natalie  
Santos, and Santo Napoli  
Enactment No: 30740  
ORDINANCES FOR INTRODUCTION (To be referred to Committee with public  
comment prior to referral)  
15-6385  
Bill 102  
Amending the 2023 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of One Million Four Hundred Fifty-Three Thousand Five  
Hundred and Thirty-Seven Dollars ($1,453,537.00) from the Pennsylvania  
Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Gun Violence  
Investigation and Prosecution Grant for the reimbursement of expenses for  
the purchase of new city cameras, new in car cameras for the entire police  
fleet and new body worn cameras for the Police Department.  
Attachments: Bill 102 PCCD Grant  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if someone wanted to speak.  
Mr. Jeff Tanner with the Allentown Police Department stated that this  
Ordinance before them tonight is a supplemental appropriation from the  
Pennsylvania Commission on Climate Delinquency and it was approved  
and awarded to the city of Allentown about two months ago. It is a two year  
program. It is split to $1.4 million roughly this year and $1.2 million next  
year. It is to replace the city cameras. The new city cameras that will be  
installed, about 150 cameras out of this grant. It will provide about 150 new  
body cameras for our police officers and roughly 55 in-car cameras. It will  
retrofit all the fleet and the police will get all brand new camera equipment.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated that it is much needed and asked if there were  
any comments or questions from his colleagues.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that they reported before, 144.  
Mr. Jeff Tanner stated roughly about 144.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that they are getting how many more.  
Mr. Jeff Tanner stated that with this grant it will get them an additional 150  
cameras. There are some cameras that are roughly 20 something years  
old.  
Ms. Candida Affa stated that they will be replaced. What will it bring it up to  
then?  
Mr. Jeff Tanner stated closer to 250.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks asked if there were anybody else or any comments  
from the public.  
REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE  
15-6386  
Bill 103  
Amending the 2023 General Fund Budget to provide for a supplemental  
appropriation of Twenty-Two Thousand Three Hundred and Forty Dollars ($  
22,340) from the United States Department of Justice Edward Byrne  
Memorial JAG Grant to the City of Allentown Police Department to utilize  
the funding for batteries to be used for speed control signs, solar panel kits  
and license plate readers.  
Attachments: Bill 103 JAG Grant Appropriation  
Assistant Chief James Gress stated that this was part of the 2022 Edward  
Byrne Memorial JAG Grant and the annual allocation with the Department  
of Justice. In 2022, they realized $30,658 of this grant was for equipment  
and technology for Crisis Negotiation Unit. They have $22,340 remaining  
of this grant that they would like to reallocate for the 2023 budget for  
feedback on technology and an additional licensed plate reader of the  
grant that Tanner just discussed.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks thanked Assistant Chief Gress and stated that this too  
is a wonderful addition. He asked if there were any questions or comments  
from this colleagues or the public.  
REFERRED TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE  
RESOLUTIONS FOR INTRODUCTION (Can be voted on or Referred to Committee):  
NEW BUSINESS  
GOOD AND WELFARE  
Mr. Ed Zucal stated that Saturday at 9:00 AM is the Budget Hearings. It is  
your money. So your time. Your best interests to be here. That goes to the  
entire public, not just those that are here.  
Mr. Daryl Hendricks stated well said Mr. Zucal and stated likewise he  
welcomes everybody Saturday morning and hopes to see them then.  
Mayor Tuerk stated bring donuts.  
ADJOURNED: 7:13 PM  
15-5720  
Council Rules  
Procurement Procedures  
Code of Ethics  
Attachments: Council Rules 2023  
Contract/Procurement Procedures from the Code  
Ethics Code